Retired Capt. Max C. Duncan was greeted by a newer generation of submariners, but many things were still familiar.

"A lot of things are still the same as they were when I served," said Duncan, who served as the torpedo and gunnery officer for four of five patrols that Rear Adm. Eugene B. Fluckey commanded. "The spaces were tight, but so was the crew."

Duncan saw Alaska with his wife, Trilby, daughter, Tibby Duncan Llewellyn, and son-in-law, Jonathan Frame Llewellyn, who was in the nuclear propulsion officer candidate program. The family was astonished at the modern amenities on board the boat, noticing how things had changed since Duncan served in the Navy.

"I can remember when I was on board the Barb," said Duncan. "We had our tasks to complete, and we were doing them, but we did not have the air conditioning that is on the boats now."

After one war patrol as the prospective commanding officer of Barb, Fluckey assumed the command of the submarine April 27, 1944, during the boat's seventh tour. Fluckey established himself as one of the greatest submarine skippers, credited with the most tonnage sunk by a U.S. skipper during World War II, in all 17 ships including a carrier, cruiser and frigate.

The headquarters building for Commander, Submarine Group 10 is housed in Fluckey Hall, named for Fluckey. In support of Fluckey Hall, the family of the late admiral donated his uniform and other personal items and artifacts for display in the building.

Duncan was instrumental in having the uniform and painted portrait of Fluckey displayed in Fluckey Hall after his death in 2007.

Rear Adm. Barry Bruner, commanding officer, COMSUBGRU 10, met with Duncan and his family to thank them for visiting the base and providing a history lesson of what it was like to serve in the Navy with Fluckey.

"Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to visit with us," Bruner said. "We appreciate having these artifacts to share with everyone that enters the building."

Bruner, Duncan and his family reviewed the display case located on the quarterdeck, looking at the items and reminiscing about the old days.

"His wife would love to see this display," Duncan's wife said. "She would be very happy."

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